Start the year safely, urges SafeWork

With the school holidays coming to an end and most of workers
returning from holidays, SafeWork NSW is encouraging businesses to make it a
safe start to the year.

Thousands of young workers will also enter workplaces for the first
time, making the need to focus on safety even greater.

According to SafeWork NSW, young workers under the age of 25
accounted for 16 per cent of all injuries in NSW workplaces during 2013/14 with
15,708 young injured and seven killed across the State.

Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said young
workers must receive appropriate training and supervision so that they do not get
injured, and experienced workers should be reminded not to become complacent.

“The return to work period at the end
of the school holidays requires extra caution on the part of businesses and
workers,” Mr Dunphy said.

“There are many young workers entering the workforce for the
first time who will be keen to impress.

“This can lead to them taking risks that more experienced
workers would not and increases the chance of a workplace injury.

“Businesses need to provide appropriate
training and supervision so that they don’t take unnecessary risks and get
injured on the job.

“They also need to reinforce to experienced workers the
importance of not becoming complacent as it has been found to be a major
contributing factor to workplace injuries at this time of year.

“This can be done through inductions, toolbox talks or tips
for safety which highlight the business’s safety culture and emphasise safe
work methods, and is particularly important for workers who have had changes to
their job or workplace over the break.

“That’s why SafeWork NSW is urging businesses in the region to
make safety a priority as their experienced workers return from holidays and
their young workers commence.”

Further
information on young worker safety is available or call 13 10 50.